S1E11: Gabriel Morrison—Voice Actor
These are show notes taken from an audio interview. To listen to the actual interview, please use the player above.
Gabriel is a voice over artist and improv actor living in Chicago. Find out how he’s making his dream job work for him and listen close, you just might recognize his voice.
I probably shouldn’t have been surprised, but he sounds just like the voice in his demo reel! Face-palm? Yeah, probably. This was a fun interview for sure!
Favorite quote:
The only person you’re destined to become is the person you decide to be. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Gabriel’s Failure:
Gabriel tels us how he went out of his way to please a client and ended up losing the entire account because he was out of his range vocally.
Biggest success:
There were two moments he’s especially proud of:
In 2012, he landed a spot for the Obama campaign and relished in the fact that all his conservative friends hated hearing him on the radio all day.
The second moment is that he did a really quick easy job that has kept him working for two years on repeat business!
What would he have done differently?
He would have taken more risks and auditioned more.
Unique selling point:
Gabriel believes that his background in improv gives him a unique approach to his voice acting. He’s able to come at scripts a little more loosely than others might.
What’s working for him business-wise?
Constantly practicing his craft. This entails reading out loud, working on diction, and studying other’s voices. He’s found that he’s working more when he’s on top of his game.
Interesting story:
Find out about one of Gabriel’s first acting gigs in Chicago at an elementary school where a four-year-old girl politely raised her hand in order to express her disdain for their performance. Twice.
Has he “made it?”
Nope! He feels that if he thinks he’s made it, that he’ll stop trying. Also, you should never do something just do get where you want to be, but to also enjoy the journey.
Other topics touched upon:
• Talks about finding yourself and figuring out what you’re meant to do. Most often this comes after trying many things you think you enjoy, but may find you hate.
• Failures can really shape who you become professionally.
• Takes us into a day in his life.
• Two words: Skype Plays :/
• What is Gabe looking for when he studies others in his field? How does he benefit from it?
• Does his beard give him super powers?
Parting advice:
Always seek to have a rich life outside of performance, for example, Gabriel does woodworking. This, ironically, will make you a better performer.
Recommended books and resources:
Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you’re enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we’re doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!
Performance Specific Book
The Art of Voice Acting: The Craft and Business of Performing Voiceover by James Alburger
Non-Performance Specific Book
Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther Hicks
Resources:
A cork: when held between your teeth when you speak, it helps clean up pronunciation and diction.
Where can we find Gabriel?
